The act "outs" people who disagree with the jersey idea for whatever reason they have, religious or otherwise. It opens them up to criticism and possible abuse. Labels them as phobic, when not wearing the jersey could easily be for a reason that isnt they are against being inclusive.
It was just so unnecessary, it causes division, and helps nobody in the end. LBGQI people are not excluded now, so why make a big deal about including them? Gay men and women have and probably do now play the sport. The same with spectating it. Trans people, well i dont see trans women lining up to play against men, and its unfair for trans men to play a sport that is so physical against women imo.
So what are they encouraging? What is the desired outcome from this move? For all the risks and division you would hope it would achieve something. Do they think people who are not supportive of certain people will change their mind if they put colourful stripes on a jersey?
They didn't tell the players about it ahead of time, because they knew there would be pushback.
Some people they are trying to make feel included probably didnt feel excluded until this came up. It would be like "Oh, i was excluded?"
And besides all that its womens round. Why steal the thunder of an existing themed round with your own gimic? And womens round has a point, it isnt about "including women", its about appreciating the ones who are included in some capacity, and their contribution.
Got fired up again about it because now NRL are thinking of making a round themed on it, so making all clubs wear a pride jersey. Shits going to hit the fan and there will be more discrimination than there was before. Idiots.